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Research and funding

We support the development of clinical interventions for the treatment of polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Since our founding, we have invested almost $42 million in more than 550 research, clinical and scientific grants, fellowships and scientific meetings.

Fellowship grants

Our fellowship grant program recognizes early-career scientists whose achievements and potential identify them as rising stars – the next generation of scientific leaders in PKD research. Our fellowships aim to attract promising trainees who will obtain significant research experience as they initiate and – we hope – spend long and productive careers in PKD research.

Fellowships grants timeline

Request for applications for fellowships are released in January of the odd numbered years (2015, 2017, etc.) with an April deadline. Recipients are notified in May, and the grant cycle begins on July 1 of the same year. Each recipient receives $50,000 a year for two years.

Fellowship grants eligibility

Applicant must have a Ph.D. or M.D. degree. This application is for a training position and requires a mentor who is knowledgeable about PKD and the project. Applicants must describe a clear career path and explain how this project is relevant to that path. A mentor may sponsor only one applicant.

Fellowship grants review process

Applicants are evaluated by our Grants Review Committee, comprised of members of the Scientific Advisory Committee and independent outside reviewers. Applications are given a priority score based on the scientific merit of the project, its relevance to PKD research, and the training potential of the applicant. Funding of awards is based on the priority score, the recommendations of the Grants Review Committee and the availability of funds. Recipients submit mid-cycle and final reports to update on their progress.

Research grants

The principal goal of our research grant program is the development of clinical interventions for the treatment of PKD. This program funds basic laboratory research aimed at increasing understanding of the genetic and pathological processes involved in PKD as well as research with an obvious or direct potential to accelerate the development of potential therapies.

Research grant timeline

Requests for research grant applications are released in the summer or fall of the odd-numbered years (2013, 2015, etc.) and are awarded in February of the following year. Each grant recipient receives $80,000 per year for two years. After the first year of funding, grant recipients submit updates on the progress of their research. After the final year of funding, grant recipients submit the results of their studies in a final report.

Research grant eligibility

Applicants must have an M.D., Ph.D. or equivalent degree and hold a faculty appointment at the institution where the research will be conducted. Applicants need not be United States citizens.

Research grant review process

A scientific peer review process determines the scientific merit of each proposal. The review is conducted by our Scientific Advisory Committee and additional ad hoc reviewers as needed.

Applications are judged on the following:

Conceptual basis on which the proposal rests

Novelty of the concept and strategy

Clarity of presentation

Overall plan for transitioning research findings to clinical applications

Likelihood that the proposed project will contribute to or result in a viable therapeutic intervention for PKD patients

Scientific meetings

The scientific meeting grant program is focused on funding PKD-relevant scientific and clinical meetings that bring together PKD scientists from around the world to discuss current findings and encourage research collaborations. We have also funded medical education programs at national clinical meetings to educate medical professionals in the basic science, diagnosis, disease management and potential treatments for PKD.

We have provided funding through educational grants to support scientific conferences and meetings that support our mission. The amount of funding ranges from $5,000 to $50,000 per conference.

We are the only organization in the U.S. solely dedicated to finding treatments and a cure for PKD to improve the lives of those it affects. Our vision is that one day no one will suffer the full effects of PKD.
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Kansas City, MO, 64131